Reviewer's Choice

The Kindness Diaries: One Man's Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the
World is the true-life memoir of author Leon Logothetis' international journey to experience and
spread kindness. Traveling on a yellow motorbike with a sidecar, he journeyed from Los Angeles
across the United States, through Europe, India, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and back to LA. He
depended on the kindness of strangers for shelter, food, and gas, and worked to give back to these
Good Samaritans any way he could - providing schooling, building homes, and helping
individuals toward their dreams. An extraordinary travelogue about love, purpose, and the will to
help make the world a better place, The Kindness Diaries is highly recommended.

The debut novel of globetrotting author and World Fantasy Award-winning editor Forrest
Aguirre, Heraclix and Pomp: A Novel of the Fabricated and the Fey is a dark fantasy about two
unlikely escapees from a vile necromancer. Heraclix is the necromancer's Frankenstein-like
creation, sewn together from the corpses of troubled men; Pomp is a fairy who can bend time,
and thought herself immortal - until the necromancer came within a hair's breadth of killing her.
Escaping with their lives, the two embark on a journey from Vienna to Prague, Istanbul, and
possibly even the gates of Hell, in search of answers about their own identity. Pomp worries
about her own newfound mortality, and Heraclix is troubled by what he might have been before
his unnatural rebirth. And what of the necromancer who menaced them both? He just must have
found a way to achieve the horrifying prospect of immortality through mass sacrifice! Witty,
adventurous, and thoughtful, Heraclix and Pomp is a "must-read" for connoisseurs of quality,
original fantasy. Also highly recommended is Mark Teppo's "Rudolph!" (9781630230050,
$15.00), a fantastic holiday saga about the efforts of a reindeer, an elf, and Santa to fulfill one last
Christmas wish - bringing back little Suzy Anderson's father, even if they must defy the host of
heaven.

The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The term comedy refers to any discourse or work generally intended to be humorous or to amuse
by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, television, film and stand-up comedy. In "Comedy
Writing Self-Taught", Emmy award winning comedy writer Gene Perret has created a 175 page
instruction manual for aspiring writers of comedy including stand-up, sketch, and situation-based
(sit-com) comedy. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Comedy Writing
Self-Taught" should be considered a 'must' for all aspiring comedians, as well as novice writers
trying to write jokes and comedic ideas for those comedians. Also very highly recommended is
the "Comedy writing Self-Taught Workbook" (9781610352405, $15.95) by Gene and Linda
Perret that is a specially designed companion workbook.

Founded in 1968, New Rivers Press is an American non-profit poetry press located in Moorhead,
Minnesota and affiliated with the Minnesota State University - Moorhead. The first title
published by New Rivers Press was "So Many Rooms Has a House But One Roof", a poetry
collection by Margaret Randall. Compiled and edited by Suzzane Kelley, with the assistance of
Alicia Strnad Hoalcraft, "Paper Camera: A Half Century with New Rivers Press" is a wonderful
celebration of a dedicated publishing house, including the men and women who have worked so
hard to make it a literary success. A compilation of original articles ranging from C. W.
Truesdale's 'New Rivers Press: A History' and 'The Future Status of New Rivers Press'; to Donna
Carlson's 'New Rivers Becomes a Teaching Press'; to Nancy Swan's 'An Internship at new Rivers
Press'; to Ryan Christiansen's 'The Digital World' and Ryan Christiansen's 'Crossing the Digital
Horizon', "Paper Camera" is a seminal body of work that will be read with particular interest and
appreciation by anyone who has enjoyed New Rivers Press titles over the last five decades. An
extraordinary read, "Paper Camera" could well serve as a template for other independent and
scholarly publishing house histories.

Creative nonfiction teacher Lori A. May (University of King's College, Halifax) presents The
Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship & the Writing Life, an informative book about the importance
of community in the writing profession. The Write Crowd is filled with practical tips of how
writers of all genres, skill and experience levels pool efforts to contribute to the sustainability of
the literary community, and candid interviews with over fifty writers and editors. Readers,
authors, and prospective writers are encouraged to join the literary community through engaging
with literary journals, reading series and public workshops, advocacy and education programs,
and more. It's possible to engage with peers and readers without sacrificing one's time and
passion for the act of writing; The Write Crowd is an excellent guideline to deepening invaluable
connections, while maintaining the balance that enables one to focus on quality writing. Highly
recommended!

The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

In the bed of a remote New Mexico creek, Austen Teal strikes gold. When the old placer miner is
shot dead in a Calido Run gunfight, however, he has only managed to disclose a few cryptic
words about its exact location to his young son. Five years on, after serving an unjust sentence in
prison, Wesley Teal sets out to solve the riddle, in a quest to track down the source of his pa's
gold. But he is being watched and trailed by hard cases who will stop at nothing to get the gold
first. "Teal's Gold" is a compelling read from first page to last and documents Abe Dancer as a
master of the western action/adventure genre replete with cliff-hanger suspense, surprise twists
and unexpected turns, and a flair for non-stop entertainment from beginning to end. Very highly
recommended for personal reading lists, this Linford Western Library large print edition is
particularly suited for community library Large Print collections. Librarians seeking to built up
their large print collections would be well served to visit the Ulverscrot Large Print web site at
www.ulverscroftusa.com where they will find hundreds of large print titles, both fiction and
non-fiction.

Colom had the perfect childhood, the much-loved only child of a church pastor. Yet he wakes
screaming from dreams in which his sister is drowning and he can't save her. Fiona turns to her
husband, desperate to help their son. David will not acknowledge that help is needed -- and
certainly not help from beyond the church. Then they find the suicide pledge. Fiona, in panic,
takes Colom and flees... but when will she acknowledge that the unnamed demons Colom faces
might be of her and David's own creation? "The Boy Who Loved Rain" is beautifully written and
searching novel by English poet Gerard Kelly explores the toxicity of secrets, the nature of
healing, and the ever-present power of rain. Exceptionally well written and compellingly
engaging from beginning to end, "The Boy Who Loved Rain" is very highly recommended and
would make an enduringly popular addition to community library General Fiction collections.
For personal reading lists it should be noted that "The Boy Who Loved Rain" is also available in
a Kindle edition ($11.03).

Also available in a print edition, The Gumshoe Diaries Book 1 is an audiobook on an MP3 CD
(MP3 CDs only play on CD players adapted for MP3 format) about a harried private investigator
working to solve crimes and scrape by. Whitey Rode is a former LAPD gold shield turned
independent after the brass "invited" him to retire. One might say it was an offer he could not
refuse. When Mei Li Teng, the niece of Whitey's "friends" (or at least, "snitches who don't lie all
of the time"), is suddenly murdered, they hire him to learn whodunit and why. Dark secrets and
deception abound in this gritty thriller, sure to appeal to fans of classic hard-boiled detective
stories! 1 MP3 CD, 6 1/2 hours, tracks every 10 min. and by chapter for easy bookmarking.

Black Dog Summer is the unabridged audibook rendition of a dark novel about a ghost who can't
let go. Sally once lived on a South African farmstead with her teenage daughter Gigi. Then
Sally's murder destroys the world of everyone who lived around her, and Sally cannot move on.
She watches Gigi move in with her aunt's family, and sees buried secrets gradually tear people's
bonds apart. Unable to interfere, Sally's vigil grows more fretful as her niece develops an
unhealthy obsession with African magic. Sally's search for someone who can help leads her to
Lesedi, a traditional African witch doctor, who keeps her trade a closely guarded secret within an
affluent Johannesburg suburb. Wistful, intense, and skillfully performed by Jilly Bond, Black
Dog Summer is riveting to the very end. 8 CDs, 9 1/2 hours.

Across the country and in every nation, people are waking up with magical talents. Untrained and
panicked, they summon storms, raise the dead, and set everything they touch ablaze. Army
officer Oscar Britton sees the worst of it. A lieutenant attached to the military's Supernatural
Operations Corps, his mission is to bring order to a world gone mad. Then he abruptly manifests
a rare and prohibited magical power, transforming him overnight from government agent to
public enemy number one. The SOC knows how to handle this kind of situation: hunt him
down--and take him out. Driven into an underground shadow world, Britton is about to learn that
magic has changed all the rules he's ever known, and that his life isn't the only thing he's fighting
for. Adapted for an audio book format, the Graphic Audio edition features an exceptional
multicast production enhanced throughout with digital sound effects and music in a 7 hour, 7 CD
edition. Solidly entertaining from beginning to end, "Shadow Ops: Control Point" is the first
volume in what promises to be an outstanding science fiction action-adventure series that is
highly recommended for personal and community library audio book collections.

As mankind nears its goal of galactic citizenship, Sirius Kade, trader and Earth Intelligence
Service deep cover agent, learns that wealthy and powerful leaders from across Mapped Space
are vying for control of an alien relic they believe is the key to untold riches - unaware they are
being deceived. Sirius soon finds himself entangled in an interstellar plot to make humanity a
cosmic outcast, denying it its place as the newest member of the vast and ancient community that
has governed the galaxy for eons. With mankind's fate in the balance, Sirius must overcome
ruthless alien adversaries and deadly human rivals as he seeks to discover the secret of The
Antaran Codex and safeguard man's future among the stars. An exceptionally well written
science fiction action/adventure story, Stephen Renneberg's "The Antarian Codex" is superbly
narrated by Neil Shah in this complete and unabridged audio book edition from Tantor Media.
Shah is able to impressively provide a distinct vocal image for each of the major characters. A
technically flawless production from beginning to end, "The Antrian Codex" is very highly
recommended to the attention of science fiction enthusiasts -- and would prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to community library audio book collections. (9 CDs, 10.5
Hours).

On an arid Mars, local bigwigs compete with Earth-bound interlopers to buy up land before the
UN develops it and its value skyrockets. Martian Union leader Arnie Kott has an ace up his
sleeve, though: an autistic boy named Manfred who seems to have the ability to see the future. In
the hopes of gaining an advantage on a Martian real estate deal, powerful people force Manfred
to send them into the future, where they can learn about development plans. But is Manfred
sending them to the real future or one colored by his own dark and paranoid filter? As the time
travelers are drawn into Manfred's dark worldview in both the future and present, the cost of
doing business may drive them all insane. Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928 - March 2,
1982) was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist and philosopher whose published
works largely belonged to the genre of science fiction. "Martian Time-Slip" is one of his best
sci-fi novels and this flawlessly produced audio book edition, which is superbly narrated by Jeff
Cummings, offers a true 'theatre of the mind' experience. "Martian Time-Slip" is very highly
recommended listening for the legions of Philip K. Dick fans and is certain to be an enduringly
popular addition to community library audio book collections. (CD; 8 disc; 9 hour and 51
minutes).

The second book in Nadine Millard's "Ranford" series, Seeking Scandal is the unabridged
audiobook superbly performed by classically trained stage actress Veida Dehmlow. Caroline
Carrington regrets that she once rejected the man she fell in love with. Back in London, she's
ready to search for a husband - but first, she wants a scandalous experience, one that she can
remember and savor during her future as a perfect society wife! She seeks out notorious rake
Tom Crawdon - but can help her find what she craves while maintaining her pristine reputation?
A sensual, erotic love story, Seeking Scandal will keep listeners toasty warm during cold nights!
10 CDs, 11 hours.

The Clayborne Brides is an unabridged audiobook rendition of three novels about the Clayborne
brothers and the women they fall in love with. Travis ventures westward and loses his heart to
Emily Finnegan of Boston; Douglas devotes himself to protecting the strong-willed Isabel Grant;
and Adam gradually learns how to trust from Genevieve Delacroix. A choice pick for fans of
romantic adventure! 11 CDs, 13 hours.

Inspired by the vintage films and music, In This Game is the debut music CD of Complicated
Animals, the duo of Monica de Silva and Chad Alger. Their self-coined "Indie Nova" musical
genre is a lighthearted pop cascade with a dash of Brazilian Bossa Nova. In This Game uses their
signature style rhythms to immerse the listener in an evocative, storytelling experience. Highly
recommended, especially for connoisseurs of quality indie music in search of something fresh
and original! The tracks are "Roadmap", "O Que Passou", "Phoenix", "Bees Take To History",
"Drive Around In Cars", and "Sempre Aqui".

The DVD Shelf

Based on true events and the book "The Other ANZACS" by Peter Rees, Anzac Girls is a six-part
drama miniseries about five brave Australian and New Zealand nurses who served during World
War I. Drawing directly upon the diaries and letters of women who contributed to the war effort,
Anzac Girls tells of idealistic young women who, upon their arrival in Egypt, learn about the
horrors of war all too quickly. Their saga is one of love, hard work, and fast friendship. Brought
to life with superb performances, Anzac Girls is an unforgettable saga, highly recommended for
personal and public library DVD collections. Bonus material includes behind-the-scenes
featurettes (34 min.), cast interviews (18 min.), photo galleries, and historical context. 6 episodes
on 2 DVDs, 363 min. plus bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Lilies is a three-DVD set of an eight-episode British drama miniseries about three sisters living in
working-class Liverpool after World War I. Called "my lilies" by their overbearing father, each
sister has her own dreams, yet the daily struggle against poverty makes the pursuit of happiness a
difficult prospect at best. The eldest Iris (played by Catherine Tyldesley) runs the household since
the passing of their mother; the middle child May (Leanne Rowe) works as a maid but yearns to
be a stage actress; and the youngest Ruby (Kerrie Hayes) sells corsets and trains to become an
Olympic swimmer. A saga about the bonds of family, Lilies portrays the hardships of life in
1920's Britain as well as the joys, and the hopes for a better future. Highly recommended! Bonus
material includes a 16 minute behind-the scenes featurette, production notes, and a photo gallery;
it should be noted that Lilies contains brief, occasional nudity. 8 episodes on 3 DVDs, 486 min.,
widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Part of the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning "Bible Collection" series of movies, The
Apocalypse is a movie on DVD bringing the origin of the Biblical Book of Revelation to life. In
the late first century, Roman Emperor Domitian fiercely persecutes Christians. Now a prisoner of
the Romans on the Island of Patmos, the elderly Apostle John receives overwhelming visions,
including messages directly from Jesus to the seven persecuted churches. As the last living
witness ot he Lord's resurrection, John must find a way to bring these divine messages to the
church. John's testimony will eventually become the Book of Revelation and the prophecy of
Jesus Christ's return. Emotional and profound, The Apocalypse is especially recommended for
church library DVD collections. 96 min., optional English subtitles.

Toy Train Revue 4: Special Christmas Edition is a striking DVD showcase of model trains,
emphasizing Christmas-themed displays. Showcasing multiple layouts and the Lionel-licensed
Hallmark line of keepsake ornaments, Toy Train Revue 4 consists of 62 minutes of all-new HD,
widescreen footage plus 32 minutes of highlights from the original Toy Train Revue 4 (released
in 1992). New and traditional Christmas songs by James Coffey round out this wonderful DVD
that model railroad fans will enjoy any time of the year! 94 min.

Illustrated with mouth-watering full-color photography throughout, The Cafe Spice Cookbook:
84 Quick and Easy Indian Recipes for Everyday Meals is a cookbook of East Indian cuisine
inspired by author Hari Nayak's popular line of "grab 'n' go" Indian meals. A repository of Indian
dishes that kitchen cooks of all skill and experience levels can make at home, using ingredients
available at any supermarket or health food store, The Cafe Spice Cookbook also features a
sizeable quantity of vegetarian and gluten-free recipes. Delicious dishes include Spiced Pear
Chutney, Spicy Long Beans and Potato Stir Fry, Pan-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Coconut,
Kerala-Style Chicken Stew, Pork Vindaloo, Chilled Mango Cooler, and more. Highly
recommended!

Compiled and presented by culinary expert and award-winning cookbook author Diana Henry,
"A Bird in the Hand: Chicken Recipes for Every Day and Every Mood" is a 224 page
compendium comprised of outstanding and diverse recipes for chicken dishes that are as palate
pleasing and appetite satisfying as they are kitchen cook friendly to prepare! Enhanced
throughout with full color photography, the recipes range from Chicken with Anchovies, Lemon,
and Rosemary; to Korean Fried Chicken Wings; to Cherry and Blugur-Stuffed Squab chicken in
Vine Leaves; to Smoky Chicken Salad with Roast Bell Peppers, Shittake, and Sugar Snap Peas.
There is even a recipe for Bird Pie! The ultimate chicken-based culinary guide, "A Bird in the
Hand: Chicken Recipes for Every Day and Every Mood" will prove to be an enduringly popular
addition to any personal, family, or community library cookbook collections. A veritable
cornucopia of chicken recipes, it should be noted that "A Bird in the Hand: Chicken Recipes for
Every Day and Every Mood" is also available in a Kindle edition ($10.99).

A whole grain is a cereal grain that contains the germ, endosperm, and bran, in contrast to refined
grains, which retain only the endosperm. Common whole grains include: Wheat, Oat, Barley
(hulled and dehulled but not pearl), Maize, Brown Rice, Rye, Millet, Quinoa, Amaranth,
Triticale, Teff, and Buckwheat. Common wholegrain products include: Whole wheat flour,
Whole wheat bread, Whole wheat pasta, Rolled oats or oat groats, Triticale flour, Popcorn, and
Teff flour. "Whole Grain Baking Made Easy: Craft Delicious, Healthful Breads, Pastries,
Desserts, and More - Including a Comprehensive Guide to Grinding Grains" by Tabitha Alterman
is just an ordinary cookbook. This profusely illustrated, 160 page compendium is enhanced with
the inclusion step-by-step instructions on grinding all manner of whole grains to make the flour
from which the recipes for a wide selection of palate pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes can be
prepared. The recipes themselves range from a No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Boule; Sourdough
Hamburger Buns; Rye Swedish Limpa; and French Shallot Soup; to Bacon Buckwheat Biscuits
with Spicy Honey Mustard Blaze; Barley Bear Bread; Oatmeal Cookies with Cherries and
Walnuts; and a Pistachio and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. As much a delight to browse
through as it is 'kitchen cook friendly' to bake from, "Whole Grain Baking Made Easy: Craft
Delicious, Healthful Breads, Pastries, Desserts, and More - Including a Comprehensive Guide to
Grinding Grains" is very highly recommended for personal, family, professional, and community
library cookbook collections.

Beautifully enhanced throughout with full color photography, "The Essential Southwest
Cookbook" is a 152 page compendium showcasing the cuisine of America's southwest. Each
individual recipe is enhanced with a succinct introductory commentary, a complete list of
ingredient, step-by-step instructions, and number of servings information. The recipes themselves
range from Chicken Enchiladas with Red Chile Sauce; Tortilla Soup; Navajo Tacos with Fry
Bread; and Pork and Red Chile Tamales; to Espresso-Chile Steak Rub; Ticama Pineapple Salad;
Adobe Mud Pie; and Sangria Blanca. Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', "The Essential
Southwest Cookbook" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and
community library regional cookbook collections.

The latest Betty Crocker cookbook, "The Big Book of One-Pot Dinners" is a nicely illustrated,
336 page compendium devoted to showcasing some 200 crock-pot recipes. Each and every one
of the recipes are thoroughly kitchen cook friendly and offer an impressive variety of palate
pleasing, appetite satisfying recipes suitable for any and all dining occasions. The dishes range
from a Sausage 'n Apple Cheddar Biscuit Bake; a Ham, Broccoli and Cheese Pot Pie; Beef and
Salsa with Dumpling; and a Harvest Time Pork Roast; to a Barley and Black Bean Pilaf; Dilled
Tuna Steak Packets; Skillet Nacho Chili; and Greek Split Pea Soup. As much fun to browse
through as practical to plan meals with, "The Big Book of One-Pot Dinners" is an enthusiastic
recommendation for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

The Passover Seder is a Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of
Passover. It is conducted on the evening of the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar
throughout the world. This corresponds to late March or April in the Gregorian calendar.
Passover lasts for 7 days in Israel and 8 days outside of Israel (other than for adherents of Reform
Judaism for whom Passover is 7 days regardless of location), with Jews outside of Israel other
than Reform Jews holding two Seders (on the evening of the 15th and 16th of Nisan) and Jews in
Israel and Reform Jews worldwide holding one Seder (on the 15th of Nisan). "The New Passover
Menu" by Paula Shoyer is a beautifully illustrated, 160 page compendium showcasing sixty-five
fully kosher recipes for dishes appropriate for the Passover Seder meal and the entire eight day
Jewish holiday. The recipes are all thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' and range from Sweet
Potato Tzimmes; Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes; Coconut Schnitzel with Almond Butter
Sauce; and Spaghetti Squash Fritters; to Seared Tuna with Olives and Capers; Chicken
Scaloppini with Mushrooms; Passover Rolls; and Meringue Fruit Tarts (gluten-free and nut-free).
Although specifically designed for Passover Seder appropriate dining occasions, "The New
Passover Menu" showcases recipes for dishes that can be fully enjoyed any time of the year,
making it an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal, family, and community
library cookbook collections.

The Business Shelf

Getting back to the business basics no degree required "The Meat and Potatoes Guide to
Business Survival" is the hands-on, entrepreneurial roadmap to achieving business dreams --
regardless of any lack of educational background. Author and business owner Ed Basler draws
upon his experience and expertise from a 40-year entrepreneur history to serve up a healthy
helping of sound business principles and practices to start a new business or to jumpstart a
current one. Through failure and success, economic upturns and downturns, "The Meat &
Potatoes Guide To Business Survival" shows how to be profitable using dedication, wisdom, and
hard work instead of degrees and book theories. Readers will develop a clear entrepreneurial
vision; learn how to find and incorporate good ideas to improve hiring and quality; be able to run
a lean, money-efficient operation; get more efficient using checklists and deadlines; improve
customer service to generate referrals; and above all, avoid small business landmines. "The Meat
& Potatoes Guide To Business Survival" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and an invaluable
instruction guide that should be considered a 'must read' for anyone seeking to engage in a
business venture of any kind or size.

The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Available in both paperback and ebook formats, Big Nate's Greatest Hits is three popular
collections of the "Big Nate" comic in one - and each of the three were previously ebook-only!
"Big Nate Makes a Splash", "Big Nate Dibs on This Chair", and "Big Nate Pray for a Fire Drill"
have been compiled into this 373-page omnibus of uproarious fun for all ages. Nate is a young
boy who lives with his divorced, struggling, and sometimes clueless single father. Nate loves
eating Cheez Doodles, has an arch-rivalry with his long-suffering teacher, and aspires to be a
cartoonist; his wacky antics of "Doctor Cesspool" intersperse the strip stories about Nate's 100%
unrequited crush on a girl, and being sent to summer school for low academic achievement. But
summer school isn't all bad - while there, Nate meets a new girl who actually likes him as much
as he likes her! Could this be the start of a beautiful friendship - or Nate's first true love? Will
Nate's king-sized ego withstand realizing that she can draw better than he can? Big Nate's
Greatest Hits is enthusiastically recommended for public library comic and cartoon shelves, and
is a great way to encourage younger people to read.

The Marvel Comics Group is an American publisher of comic books and related media. Marvel
started in 1939 as Timely Publications, and by the early 1950s had generally become known as
Atlas Comics. Marvel's modern incarnation dates from 1961, the year that the company launched
The Fantastic Four and other superhero titles created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and
many others. Marvel counts among its characters such well-known properties as Spider-Man,
Wolverine, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America, the Silver Surfer, Daredevil, and Ghost
Rider, such teams as the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and X-Men,
and antagonists such as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Kingpin, Magneto, Doctor Doom,
Loki, Thanos, and the Red Skull. Most of Marvel's fictional characters operate in a single reality
known as the Marvel Universe, with locations that mirror real-life cities. "Marvel Comics In The
1980s: An Issue-By-Issue Field Guide To A Pop Culture Phenomenon" is a 224 page
compendium by Pierre Comotis that covers the pop culture phenomenon that is Marvel comics in
the 1980s on an issue-by-issue basis! Of special note is the overview of Marvel's final historical
phase, when the movement begun by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko moved into a darker
era that has yet to run its course. The 1980s saw Stan Lee's retreat to the West Coast, Jim
Shooter's rise and fall as editor-in-chief, the twin triumphs of Frank Miller and John Byrne, the
challenge of independent publishers, and the weakening hold of the Comics Code Authority that
led to the company's creative downfall - and ultimately the marginalization of the industry itself.
Comics such as the Chris Claremont/John Byrne X-Men, Frank Miller's Daredevil, the New
Universe, Roger Stern's Avengers and Spider-Man, the new wave of dark heroes such as
Wolverine and the Punisher, and more are all covered, in the analytic detail -- and often
irreverent manner. However, the 1980s represented years of upheaval in the comics industry with
Marvel at the center of the storm. "Marvel Comics In The 1980s" will prove to be of immense
interest to Marvel comics fandom and would prove to be an valued addition to community and
academic library 20th Century American Popular Culture collections.

Canoeing is a paddle sport in which you kneel or sit facing forward in an open or closed-decked
canoe, and propel yourself with a single-bladed paddle, under your own power. Kayaking is a
comparable activity in a kayak which usually has a closed deck and is propelled with a double
bladed paddle. In a kayak the paddler typically sits with legs extended forward. In some
situations canoeing refers to both canoeing and kayaking. Other than by the minimum
competition specifications (typically length and width (beam)) and seating arrangement it is
difficult to differentiate most competition canoes from the equivalent competition kayaks. The
most common difference is that competition kayaks are always seated and paddled with a
double-bladed paddle, and competition canoes are generally kneeled and paddled with a
single-bladed paddle. Exceptions include Canoe Marathon (in both European and American
competitive forms) and sprint (high kneeling position). The most traditional and early canoes did
not have seats, the paddlers merely knelt on the bottom of the boat. Recreational canoes and
kayaks employ seats and whitewater and surf variants employ the use of foam 'saddles' with thigh
straps or increasingly foam 'bulkheads' with integrated thigh hooks that give greater boat control
under extreme conditions. The collaborative work of Greg Marchildon and Sid Robinson,
"Canoeing the Churchill: A Practical Guide to the Historic Voyageur Highway" is a 477 page
compendium showcasing one of the most challenging and enjoyable 'water trails' that a canoeing
enthusiast could ever hope for. Profusely illustrated throughout, and enhanced with the inclusion
of historical materials, maps, photos, and a fur trade era travelogue, "Canoeing the Churchill: A
Practical Guide to the Historic Voyageur Highway" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' from beginning
to end and a welcome addition to any and all personal and community canoeing and Canadian
travel reference collections.

The Travel Shelf

Now in a completely updated and expanded fourth edition, "All Aboard: The Complete North
American Train Travel Guide" by veteran train travel expert Jim Loomis is a 384 page
compendium that will prove to be an invaluable aid for planning train trips anywhere and
everywhere the rails run in North America. "All Aboard" reveals what train travelers can expect
on board their selected trains; what the best routes and lowest fares would be to their chosen
destinations; the creation of memorable rail itineraries; as well as the basics of railroading and
the future of train travel in the 21st Century. This newly revised edition includes a new chapter
about eight major railway stations, and is updated throughout with new information and
photographs. "All Aboard" discusses Amtrak's new locomotives and Viewliner sleeping cars,
changes in rules regarding pets and bicycles on American trains, and much, much more, making
it the ultimate guide to American train travel and its unique history and culture. Very highly
recommended as a personal train travel reference and guide, it should be noted that "All Aboard"
is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

The Needlecraft Shelf

Quilt making continues to be a practical, creative, and popular needlecraft skill. From a number
of outstanding books devoted to quilt making, "Circle of Nine and Quilting: A Circle of Nine", is
new 96 page compilation gives showcasing patterns and instructions for fourteen of the most
popular quilt projects. Quilt makers will learn the fundamentals of the Circle of Nine setting
allows them to design a multitude of unique and beautiful quilts using favorite blocks. One
simple setting with variations, sample spacers and sample blocks help even the most novice quilt
maker get started on the path to creating their own original quilts. No two quilts will ever look
alike though the setting is the same. Includes Circle of Nine construction techniques and setting
scheme diagrams. Featuring easy-to-follow, complete instructions and enhanced with hundreds
of clear diagrams and illustrations, "Best of Circle of Nine" is enthusiastically recommended for
personal and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Toy rabbits are always popular, and have been for many years. With their long ears and cute,
fluffy tails, they are loved by children and adults alike. "Knitted Rabbits" by needlecraft expert
Val Pierce contains a wide variety of rabbits to knit, from fun and quirky, to cute and cuddly.
Each rabbit has its own distinctive look and personality, and they come in a range of shapes,
sizes and styles to suit knitters of all tastes and abilities. There are twenty patterns to choose
from, and each one is accompanied by a beautiful, full-colour photograph of the finished rabbit,
clear instructions, and a comprehensive list of the yarns, needles and embellishments you need.
At the start of "Knitted Rabbits" there are general notes on basic knitting techniques, the
abbreviations used, materials and equipment, making it ideal for beginners as well as more
experienced knitters. Also very highly recommended for personal and community library
Needlecraft instructional reference collections is Val Pierce's "20 To Make: Knitted Bears"
(9781844484829, $9.95); "20 To Make: Crocheted Bears" (9781844486335, $9.95); and Little
Bears To Knit & Crochet" (9781782210085, $15.95).

The Christian Studies Shelf

Maria Faustyna Kowalska, (born Helena Kowalska, 25 August 1905 in G ogowiec - 5 October
1938 in Krakow, Poland), was a Polish nun is recognized in the Roman Catholic Church as Saint
Faustina. Throughout her life, Faustina reported having visions of Jesus and conversations with
him, which she wrote about in her diary, later published as the book "The Diary of Saint Maria
Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul". At age 20 she joined a convent in Warsaw and
was later transferred to P ock and then to Vilnius where she met her confessor, Father Micha
Sopocko, who supported her devotion to the Divine Mercy. Faustina and Sopocko directed an
artist to paint the first Divine Mercy image, based on Faustina's reported vision of Jesus.
Sopocko used the image to celebrate the first Mass on the first Sunday after Easter - which later
was established by Pope John Paul II as Divine Mercy Sunday. Faustina was canonized as a saint
by the Roman Catholic Church on 30 April 2000, having been considered a mystic and visionary.
She is known and venerated within the Church as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. "Trust: In Saint
Faustina's Footsteps" is a profusely illustrated, 290 page compendium showcasing her life,
travels and work. An extraordinary story of an extraordinary woman, "Trust: In Saint Faustina's
Footsteps" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and seminary collections.

Revelation: A Shorter Commentary is the abridged distillation of G.K. Beale's exhaustive
analysis and exegesis of the Biblical text. At 575 pages (as opposed to the original's length of
1,300 pages), Revelation: A Shorter Commentary is more accessible to students and general
Christian readers, although some familiarity with theological study is presumed. Beale regards
the Book of Revelation as an integral, continuous part of the Old Testament prophetic books, and
purports that understanding allusions is key to grasping its meaning. More that sixty sets of
"Suggestions for Reflection" round out this thoughtful, studious, and erudite treatise about the
message that the Book of Revelation has for readers today.

The Buddhist Studies Shelf

A New Buddhist Path: Enlightenment, Evolution and Ethics in the Modern World explores three
crucial questions from a Buddhist perspective: "What is the meaning of enlightenment?", "How
can one reconcile modern science with ancient religious teachings?", and "What is our role in the
universe?". Author David R. Loy describes a path for Buddhism that stays faithful to its core
traditions yet remains open to the values of modern society. "...the Buddha wasn't concerned
about whether we believe in him, but how we practice and how we live. If there is some kind of
life after death, the form that it takes will take care of itself, if we do what we are called to do
right here and now. If nothing of that particular form survives death, that's okay too. That which
has taken form as her, and you and I, opens us up to the satisfaction and joy of being part of that
process in the eternal present." Highly recommended, especially for personal and public library
Buddhist Studies shelves.

The Islamic Studies Shelf

Islam is a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion articulated by the Qur'an, an Islamic holy book
considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God (All h), and for the vast majority of
adherents, also by the teachings, normative example and way of life; it also is composed of
prophetic traditions of Muhammad (c. 570 - 8 June 632 CE), considered by most of them to be
the last prophet of God. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim. "Introduction to Islam: Beliefs
and Practices in Historical Perspective" by Carole Hillenbrand (Professor Emerita in Islamic
history, University of Edinburgh and Professor of Islamic History, University of St. Andrews) is
a 314 page history and explanation of the beliefs and practices of Islam since its inception down
to the present day. Covering all related topics ranging from Sufism, to Jihad, to the role of
women, "Introduction to Islam: Beliefs and Practices in Historical Perspective" is exceptionally
well written, organized and presented, making it ideal for academia as well as the non-specialist
general reader with an interest in understanding what Islam truly is and should be. This 314 page
compendium is enhanced with the inclusion of some 79 full color illustrations, 9 pages of
Endnotes; a 10 page Glossary; a 3 page listing for Further Reading; and a comprehensive index.
"Introduction to Islam: Beliefs and Practices in Historical Perspective" is a critically important
and timely addition to personal, community and academic library Islamic Studies collections and
supplemental reading lists.

The Hobby Shelf

Origami is the ancient Japanese art of folding paper into eye-catching three-dimensional
sculptures. Chair of the British Origami Society Mark Bolitho presents The Origami Home:
More than 30 Projects to Craft, Fold, and Create, a gorgeous how-to guide filled with
step-by-step instructions for creating beautiful origami furniture items perfect for dollhouses,
dioramas, or simple decoration. Items that one can craft range from stylish living room furniture
to a bathtub to a perky pet. An accompanying giant folder filled with specially cut and beautifully
patterned origami paper rounds out this self-contained, hands-on kit that hobbyists of all ages can
enjoy.

The Model Railroader's Guide to Grain is an in-depth sourcebook for creating realistic replicas of
grain industry buildings from the 1800's today, the better to enhance one's model railroad layout.
(The nuts-and-bolts details of crafting models is left to other guides; The Model Railroader's
Guide to Grain is primarily focused on model subjects instead of assembly instructions). Filled
vintage black-and-white as well as modern full-color photography of notable grain industry
buildings throughout the decades, as well as ideas for modeling railcars, working grain elevators,
small-town feed mills, covered hoppers, and much more, The Model Railroader's Guide to Grain
lives up to its title and then some. The text offers a detailed tour of the history and evolution of
the grain industry, making The Model Railroader's Guide to Grain a fascinating browse from
cover to cover.

Model railroading is a continually growing hobby. Digital Command Control (DCC) has greatly
increased in popularity in recent years. Yet, most modelers need help navigating this tricky
technology. "DCC Projects & Applications: Volume 3" provides step-by-step instructions and
how-to tips to show modelers how to set up, maintain, and operate DCC systems. This includes
everything from layout wiring to decoder installation to light and sound effects. It also features
information on the latest software, technology and upgraded manufacturer items. "DCC Projects
& Applications: Volume 3" is a 96 page instruction manual that covers converting a DC layout to
DCC; preventing and troubleshooting short circuits; installing decoders in N and HO
locomotives; adding various lighting effects to locomotives; installing and controlling lights in
cabooses and passenger cars; adding speakers and sound effects to engines; programming
decoders; and fine-tuning locomotive speeds. Profusely illustrated throughout, "DCC Projects &
Applications: Volume 3" is as informed and informative as it is thoroughly 'user friendly' and
highly recommended.

John Martin "Marty" Stuart (born September 30, 1958) is an American country music
singer-songwriter, known for both his traditional style, and eclectic merging of rockabilly, honky
tonk, and traditional country music. In the early 1990s, he had a successful string of country hits.
While most country music enthusiasts would know Mary as an extraordinarily talented musician
and songwriter, few would be aware that he is also a gifted photographer with an artist's eye for
subject matter and composition. Compiled and edited by Kathryn E. Delmez, "American Ballads:
The Photographs Of Marty Stuart" is a 132 page compendium of truly impressive
black-and-white photographs by Stuart. There is one exceptional color photograph of the 1904
Edward S. Curtis painting 'The Vanishing Race'. Marty encountered the painting in 1999 and,
ironically, would eventually be inducted into the Lakota trip as a family member. Enhanced with
an introduction by Marty Stuart and featuring an informed and informative essay by Susan H.
Edwards, "American Ballads: The Photographs Of Marty Stuart" is a 'must' for his legion of fans
and would be an impressive addition to any personal, community, or academic library American
Photographic Studies collection.

The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

DeVilbiss Perfume Bottles and their Company Suppliers 1907-1968 is the first-ever
compendium, showcase, and guide to vintage perfume bottles and related vanity products
produced by DeVilbiss, the foremost manufacturer of such items in the 20th century. Full-color
photography on virtually every page (plus the occasional black-and-white vintage photograph or
news article reproduction) offers a visual tour of over 1,000 exquisite collectibles, while the text
is peppered with vignettes about their manufacture, distribution, use, and role in high society
culture. The glasswork is simply stunning to behold, making DeVilbiss Perfume Bottles and their
Company Suppliers 1907-1968 a treasury for any who appreciate masterfully crafted glass bottles
as fine art.

Hot rods are typically old, classic American cars with large engines modified for linear speed.
Roadsters were the cars of choice because they were light, were easy to modify, and could be
bought for a low price. The term became commonplace in the 1930s or 1940s as the name of a
car that had been "hopped up" by modifying the engine in various ways to achieve higher
performance. The term can also apply to other items that are "souped up" for a particular
purpose, such as "hot-rodded amplifier". The popularity of hot rods gave rise to do-it-yourself
model toy kits. Compiled with commentary by Scotty Gosson, "Show Rod Model Kits: A
Showcase of America's Wildest Model Kits" is a profusely and beautifully illustrated, 144 page
compendium showcasing an amazing variety and number of these hot rod model kits. As
informed and informative as it is a delight to simply browse through, "Show Rod Model Kits: A
Showcase of America's Wildest Model Kits" is very highly recommended for hot rod enthusiasts,
do-it-yourself model kit collectors, as well as community and academic library 20th Century
American Popular Culture collections. It should be noted that "Show Rod Model Kits: A
Showcase of America's Wildest Model Kits" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

The Woodworking Shelf

Compiled with commentary and step-by-step instructions by Jodie Landry, "Wood Craft Love:
Vintage Inspired Home Decor Projects You Can Make" is a superbly illustrated and thoroughly
'user friendly' 48 page compendium showcasing seventeen do-it-yourself projects that can be
made in a single weekend or less! The projects range from the creation of stylish furniture, to
wall art, to fixtures, and more. Replete with creative ideas for transforming wood blanks and flea
market treasures into works of utility and art, "Wood Craft Love" shows how to use chalk-finish
paints, waxes, spray paints, decoupage, and stencils. "Wood Craft Love" is enthusiastically
recommended for personal and community library Woodworking and Recreational Crafts
instructional reference collections.

The Art Shelf

Clementine Hunter (late December 1886 or early January 1887 - January 1, 1988) was a
self-taught African-American folk artist from the Cane River region of the U.S. state of
Louisiana, who lived and worked on Melrose Plantation. She is the first African-American artist
to have a solo exhibition at the present-day New Orleans Museum of Art. Hunter was born into a
Louisiana Creole people family at Hidden Hill; she started working as a farm laborer when
young, never learning to read or write. In her fifties, she began painting, using brushes and paints
left by an artist who visited Melrose Plantation, where she then lived and worked. Hunter's
artwork depicted plantation life in the early 20th century, documenting a bygone era. She sold her
first paintings for as little as 25 cents. By the end of her life, Hunter's work was being exhibited
in museums and sold by dealers for thousands of dollars. "Clementine Hunter: American Folk
Artist" is a 160 page compendium showcasing beautifully illustrated examples of Hunter's
artwork. Author James L. Wilson draws upon a number of personal interviews with Hunter to
provide a truly informed and informative introduction and commentary. "Clementine Hunter:
American Folk Artist" is a critically important and enthusiastically recommended addition to
personal, community, and academic library American Art History collections.

Perl is a family of high-level, general-purpose, interpreted, dynamic computer programming
languages. The languages in this family include Perl 5 and Perl 6. Now in a fully updated and
expanded fifth edition, "Perl By Example" by academician and Perl expert Ellie Quigley is an
888 page instruction manual that now includes Modern Perl approaches to using data types,
operations, conditions, subroutines, packages, modules, references, pointers, files, objects, and
more; features many new examples, covers automation, testing, and data extractions; offers a
tutorial on writing object-oriented Perl with the Moose object system; provides an introduction to
Dancer (a power web application framework designed to replace CGI); as well as updated code
examples throughout. Exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'user friendly', "Perl By
Example" is highly recommended for personal, professional, and academic library Computer
Science collections. It should be noted that "Perl By Example" is also available in a Kindle
edition ($31.19).

Java is a general-purpose computer programming language that is concurrent, class-based,
object-oriented, and specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as
possible. It is intended to let application developers write code that runs on one platform while
not needing to be recompiled to run on another. Java applications are typically compiled to
byte-code that can run on any Java virtual machine (JVM) regardless of computer architecture.
Java is, as of 2015, one of the most popular programming languages in use, particularly for
client-server web applications, with a reported 9 million developers. Now in a fully updated and
expanded sixth edition, "The Java Tutorial: A Short Course on the Basics" is an ideal instruction
manual and guide for anyone wanting to become proficient in using Java and/or taking on of the
Java SE 8 certification exams. Very highly recommended for professional and academic library
Computer Science collections, it should be noted that "The Java Tutorial: A Short Course on the
Basics" is also available in a Kindled edition ($25.49).

Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux operating system, with Unity as its default desktop environment.
It is based on free software and named after the Southern African philosophy of ubuntu (literally,
"human-ness"), which often is translated as "humanity towards others" or "the belief in a
universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity". Development of Ubuntu is led by
UK-based Canonical Ltd., a company owned by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth.
Canonical generates revenue through the sale of technical support and other services related to
Ubuntu. The Ubuntu project is publicly committed to the principles of open source development;
people are encouraged to use free software, study how it works, improve upon it, and distribute
it. "Ubuntu Unleashed 2015 Edition: Covering 14.10 and 15.04" by Matthew Helmke (who
served on the Ubuntu Forum Council from 2006 to 2011) is a 912 page compendium that is
enhanced with the including of a DVD that includes the full Ubuntu 14.10 distribution for 64 bit
computers, as well as the complete LibreOffice office suite and hundres of additional programs
and utilities. An essential instructional guide and manual for Ubuntu users, "Ubuntu Unleashed
2015 Edition: Covering 14.10 and 15.04" ranges from configuring and customizing the Unity
desktop; to administering and running Ubuntu from the command line; to providing secure
remote access and configuring a secure VPN; to learning the basics about popular programming
languages including Python, PHP, Perl, and new alternatives such as Go and Rust; learning about
Ubuntu's work toward usability on touch-screen and phone devices, and so much more. An
essential addition professional, and academic library Computer Science reference collections, it
should be noted that "Ubuntu Unleashed 2015 Edition: Covering 14.10 and 15.04 " is also
available in a Kindle edition ($25.49).

Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, with an expanded amount of content concerning the
roles of Native Americans, women, and minorities in Nebraska's history, History of Nebraska is a
detailed account of Nebraska's conflict, culture, agriculture, politics, and much more, from before
it became a state to the new millennium. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this
studious yet accessible text, enhanced with an extensive index. Highly recommended, especially
for public and college library collections.

The Money/Finance Shelf

The adoption process can unfortunately be expensive. You Can Adopt Without Debt, author Julie
Gumm, herself the mother of two biological and two adopted children, walks the reader through
practical strategies for mitigating expenses and avoiding debt during the adoption process.
Chapters discuss applying for grants, creative budgeting, fundraising through sales or social
media, obtaining tax incentives, and partnering with adoption organizations. Every family
considering adoption should read You Can Adopt Without Debt cover to cover - the better to
preserve a college fund for the newest addition to the family!

The Fashion Shelf

Asian Street Fashion is a full-color photographic compendium of what young people in various
Asian nations boldly choose to wear. Showcasing self-selected outfits of men and women in
China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and more nations, Asian Street Fashion reveals original
flair and openness to the influences of both street style and high fashion. Almost the entire book
is devoted to photography; there is very little text, and the striking, nonconformist outfits speak
for themselves. Paging through Asian Street Fashion from cover to cover is an irresistible
temptation!

The Geology Shelf

The third book in the state-by-state "Geology Rocks!" series, Ohio Rocks! A Guide to Geologic
Sites in the Buckeye State is a wonderful blend of educational resource and travel guide for all
ages. Simple maps and full-color photographs throughout explore Ohio's rich natural history. The
text takes readers on an armchair tour of sites ranging from Seneca Caverns to Oakes Quarry,
Blackhand Gorge, multiple highlights on the Appalachian Plateau, and much more. A glossary,
list of references, and an index round out this accessible and enjoyable guide, highly
recommended especially for public library collections.

The Health/Medicine Shelf

Pleasurable Weight Loss: The Secrets to Feeling Great Losing Weight & Loving Your Life
Today lives up to its title as a health and dietary guide created especially for women struggling
with weight issues. Author Jena La Flamme's insight was that losing weight isn't about boring
food plans or meticulous calorie counting; it's about countering the stress and shame that are
appetite triggers, and taking more joy and pleasure in the process of cooking, eating, and
exercise. The pursuit of pleasure and happiness in day-to-day life is a natural counter to
biological and psychological impulses toward overconsumption! Of course, eating reasonable
portions of nutritious foods is still a paramount part of healthy living; Pleasurable Weight Loss
includes 7 days of easy-to-make, delicious recipes suitable for incorporating into one's dietary
regimen. Highly recommended!

Quick Check Guide to Organic Foods is a guide to making the switch to organic foods for the
sake of one's health, as well as the greater good of the community and the environment. A
sixty-page introduction teaches the reader what organic labeling and certification means, how to
distinguish claims from hype, how to purchase organic food on a budget, and more. The majority
of Quick Check Guide to Organic Foods is dedicated to listing nutrition information (the calorie,
fat, cholesterol, sodium, protein, and carbohydrate content per serving) for a vast array of
commercial organic foods. An extensive appendix of organic food suppliers and their websites
rounds out this "must-have" for organic food shoppers!

The Philosophy Shelf

Evan Thompson (Professor of Philosophy, University of British Columbia in Vancouver)
presents Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and
Philosophy, a measured philosophical treatise that draws upon neuroscience research on sleep,
dreaming, and meditation, as well as Indian and Western understandings of the mind and the self.
Thompson contrasts the awareness of the self while awake, while meditating, or while having a
lucid dream. Traditions such as Buddhism postulate that human beings can learn to let go of the
self while alive, preparing ourselves for the inevitable transition of death. Contemplative and
groundbreaking, Waking, Dreaming, Being is a welcome addition to college library philosophy
shelves.

The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

"New York Times" author Mike Bara presents Ancient Aliens on Mars II, continuing a
speculative journey into the mysteries of the Red Planet. Drawing upon data from scientific
instruments, Bara continues building the case from his previous book ("Ancient Aliens on
Mars"), namely that aliens once had a civilization on Mars. Evidence points to the existence of an
underground city, possibly filled with enormous devices that could still be operating today!
Images of tunnel systems, temples, bridges, and more suggest a NASA conspiracy to hide
extraterrestrial life. Ancient Aliens on Mars II is an exciting read from cover to cover! Additional
Adventures Unlimited titles concerning this hot topic include "Ancient Aliens on the Moon",
"Extraterrestrial Archaeology", "Life and Death on Mars", "The Case for the Face", and
"Invisible Residents".

Three reader-friendly guides from the "Pagan Portals" series discuss witchcraft and folk magic in
plain terms. Morgan Daimler's "Pagan Portals: Fairy Witchcraft" (9781782793434, $9.95) is a
guide to honoring the fairy world, discussing both modern neo-pagan witchcraft and the ancient
Celtic Fairy Faith. In "Pagan Portals: Kitchen Witchcraft" (9781780998435, $9.95), Rachel
Patterson explores the practices of the Kitchen Witch -gardening, offerings, and simple washes,
smudges, and magics to promote health and well-being. Patterson's "Pagan Portals: Hoodoo Folk
Magic" (9781782790204, $9.95) teaches the reader about Hoodoo deities, beliefs, magical
practices, spiritual washes, powders and more. "Spells that draw things to you, attract things or
bring positive things to you will be worked or at least started when the moon is in her waxing
phase. Spells that are worked to banish something or end things, break up spells and foot track
magic are started or worked fully when the moon is waning." All three are excellent overviews,
highly recommended especially for readers intrigued to learn more about magical practice.

The Caveman Rules of Survival: 3 Simple Rules Used By Our Brains to Keep Us Safe and Well
is a self-help guide about subconscious impulses that humans have evolved with since the era of
cavemen - and how these blind drives can harm one's life if not countered. The three
preprogrammed rules are "React First or You'll Die!", "If Your Parents Don't Love You, You'll
Die!" and "If You Are Not Part of a Pack, You Will Die". These rules have played a key role in
individual survival for countless generations, but allowing them unfettered control over one's
actions is a sure recipe for unhappiness (such as a lingering mandate to please an unpleasable
parent, or the craving to "fit in" with the group even when doing so would destroy one's dreams).
A plain-terms psychology self-help guide to better understanding one's own subconscious, and
using that knowledge to improve one's life, The Caveman Rules of Survival is highly
recommended.

The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

In ancient India, rishis were the scribes of the Vedas. Dubbed "the scientists of Hinduism", they
developed the spiritual science of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, in order to foment cultural
renewal and progress. Sanatana Dharma affects all aspects of Hindu culture, including religion,
arts, and sciences; the texts even connect with the fundamental ideas of quantum physics and
other modern scientific discoveries. The Science of the Rishis: The Spiritual and Material
Discoveries of the Ancient Sages of India is a detailed introduction to the science of Sanatana
Dharma for readers of all backgrounds, including core concepts of Hinduism such as Brahman,
atman, bhakti, karma, and reincarnation and their connections to modern science. Accessible and
user-friendly, The Science of the Rishis is a welcome contribution to religious studies shelves
with a focus on Hinduism.

The Poetry Shelf

Each Perfected Name is an anthology of brief poems in a variety of experimental formats,
exploring concepts such as the existence of the sacred within the mundane, the ephemeral quality
of everyday life, and the quest to find one's purpose and make the world a better place.
Thought-provoking and soulful, Each Perfected Name is highly recommended. "Vita Nuova":
For weeks I lay / in the bright box. / No one touched me much. // Around me, sweet, thick
oxygen / probed my still-squinched eyes / and fed my tiny lungs. // My mother must have stood
beyond / thick glass; she couldn't do a thing / but pray and watch my plight. // It was the
beginning / of my blindness and my need. / The start of my new life.

The Wisconsin Shelf

Confidence & Crisis: A History of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee 1959-1977 is a close
examination of Roman Catholic life in southeastern Wisconsin. Chapters discuss the Catholic
community's involvement and response to issues of racial justice. It was an era of idealism, and
hope for a better tomorrow, but also a polarized time of difficult transitions. Particular focus is
given to the efforts of William E. Cousins, a priest of Chicago and former bishop of Peoria,
Illinois applied his masterful flexibility and talent for improvisation to preserve archdiocesan
unity. An extensive index rounds out this detailed, scholarly chronicle, especially recommended
for Wisconsin and Catholic history shelves.